Algae-derived
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation may boost levels of HDL
(good) cholesterol and cut levels of triglycerides, says the first
systematic review and meta-analysis of on lipid levels.

Abstract

Certain
algae contain the (n-3) fatty acid DHA, yet the relation between algal
oil supplementation and cardiovascular disease risk factors has not been
systematically examined. Our objective was to examine the relation
between algal oil supplementation and cardiovascular disease risk
factors. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled
trials published between 1996 and 2011 examining the relation between
algal oil supplementation and cardiovascular disease risk factors and
performed a meta-analysis of the association between algal oil DHA
supplementation and changes in the concentrations of TG, LDL-cholesterol
(LDL-C), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). We identified 11 randomized
controlled trials with 485 healthy participants that evaluated the
relation between algal oil DHA supplementation and TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C.
The median dose of algal DHA was 1.68 g/d. The pooled estimate for the
change in TG concentration was −0.20 mmol/L (95% CI: −0.27 to −0.14),
0.23 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.16–0.30) for LDL-C, and 0.07 mmol/L (95% CI:
0.05–0.10) for HDL-C. DHA supplementation from algal oil, a marine
source of (n-3) fatty acids not extracted from fish, may reduce serum TG
and increase HDL-C and LDL-C in persons without coronary heart disease.

An
imbalance of tryglycerides has been implicated in heart disease,
diabetes and a host of other diseases. Too much alcohol is a factor as
it not only encourages the storage of tryglycerides in the body but also
hinders the conversion of tryglycerides into energy.

Leading
London Harley Street Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston says "Alcohol is
like super fertiliser for tryglycerides causing the double trouble of
both enhancing loading and thwarting burning. Even vegans who avoid
animal fat have been seen to have high tryglycerides as they can easily
be made by the body from sugar and nutrient depleted simple
carbohydrates."

"This meta research proving tryglycerides can be reduced by increasing omega 3 DHA from algae is very welcome"

This January saw a vegan phenomenon as over 20,000 people signed up to veganuary the campaign to encourage people to try vegan diets.

Whilst VegfestUK continues to see record numbers of visitors to VegfestUK events ( over 10,000 to Brighton centre and London Olympia ) with an impressive number of visitors to the very first vegfest in Scotland at the SECC in Glasgow there still remains a dilemma.

The statistics are back for vegfestUK Glasgow and whilst the overall numbers were impressive disappointingly only 8% were meat eaters.

Campaigners are quick to point out that simply replacing meat with cheese will not make the world a healthier more sustainable more ethical place so it's important to persuade vegetarians to go vegan.

However if many more meat eaters don't quickly switch onto a wholefood plant based diet chronic health diseases will continue to rise the planet is in dire jeopardy we will run out of water and there is not enough land to waste food feeding it to farm an…